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Alternative fuel sources should be one of the most important focuses that we as responsible human beings strive to develop so that we leave this world a better place than we got it from our ancestors. There is an ardent need for saving the environment that is being polluted by emissions given out by the extensive use of gasoline and/or petrol for energy. This article will focus on the various alternative fuel sources currently available.

Traditional fuel sources are not only polluting, but they’re getting harder to find. We used them a lot in the last century, and now extraction is becoming more difficult and expensive. Many people are becoming worried that we’re going to run out of oil before we find an alternative.

Fortunately, there are a few new discoveries that can give us hope. If we pursue them and develop new methods, we may have found a worthwhile alternative fuel source or sources before any crisis can occur. The ideal fuel would be readily available, as well as affordable and friendly to the environment.

For instance, bio-diesel, an alternative fuel extracted from plant material, can be used in a conventional diesel engine. A related fuel is E-85. Made from eighty-five percent ethanol and fifteen percent gasoline, it can significantly cut our reliance on traditional fuels.

While E-85 and bio-diesel are better than pure gasoline, they still cause pollution. Also, if all gasoline consumption were to be replaced by these fuels, we would quickly run out of available plant supplies. Corn prices have already risen, causing some people in poorer countries to be unable to buy food, and land for growing bio-diesel fuel takes away from land for producing food corn.

Another popular alternate fuel is electricity. Electric cars are one of the more viable options currently available for conserving our existing fuel. While they require the burning of fossil fuels in many cases, their electricity is generated in a central location, rather than in each individual car. That makes them much more efficient. In addition, we can produce electricity in many different ways. That means that areas with high winds, like the Midwest United States, can choose to use wind power, while areas with a lot of sunlight may produce it via solar panels. This offers an alternative or supplement to traditional coal and oil plants.

The ultimate alternate fuel source, of course is your own legs on bike peddles. Peddle power is becoming increasingly popular as none of the other alternate fuel sources has completely panned out. Bio-diesel is not widely available and the power that the electric cars allow has not been perfected as yet. The bike is really a flawless machine for short to medium commutes. You will be in better shape, save some money, and do the environment a favor as well. This article has presented the currently available alternative fuel sources and now it’s YOUR turn to decide.

Last 5 posts by Bruce Campbell

• The Truth To Efficiently Combat Global Warming - June 25th, 2008
• Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Go Green - April 10th, 2008

Tags: Education